Some protesters under the aegis of the Mega National Movement for Good Governance,on Monday stormed the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, demanding a thorough probe into the alleged N432 billion corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The protesters chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with inscriptions such as “Answer The Charges El-Rufai” and “El-Rufai Not Above The Law.”
Addressing journalists at the scene, the group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, insisted that the corruption allegations against the former governor must not be trivialised or politicised.
He said: “We reiterate its firm position that the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains a lawful and constitutional matter strictly between him and the Government of Kaduna State. This issue should not be reduced to a mere political drama or emotional manipulation.
“It is a question of accountability and stewardship of public trust. The Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee Report (2024) raised serious concerns regarding financial management, public debt profile, and contract procedures under the previous administration.
“It is also a matter of public record that some former appointees and close allies—including Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu, and Samuel Aruwa—are already in custody or undergoing investigation in connection with these allegations.”
Citing Section 15(5) of the Constitution, Abdullahi urged the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to carry out a thorough, evidence-based and transparent investigation.
The protesters maintained that the issue was about lawful prosecution, not persecution, adding that El-Rufai should allow the judicial process to run its course in the interest of accountability and justice.
He added, “If those who served in that administration are subjecting themselves to due process, it is only proper that the former governor does the same without politicising the process.
“In line with this constitutional provision, we call on the relevant anti-graft agencies—particularly the EFCC and the ICPC—to do the needful by diligently and transparently continuing their investigations in accordance with constitutional provisions and the rule of law. The process must be thorough, evidence-driven, and free from external interference.
“We emphasise that this is not about persecution; it is about prosecution grounded in law. The courtroom remains the proper venue for vindication. If El-Rufai is confident in his integrity, he should allow the judicial process to run its full course. Let integrity, not rhetoric, determine the outcome.”
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who responded to the protesters on behalf of the commission, appealed for calm and assured the protesters that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities within the commission.
